Make a Difference

Be informed and spread the word

Learn about the causes of and solutions to child poverty through our Learning Resources page.

Sign up to our email list

Sign up to our email list and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share, like and comment.  

Join your local Child Poverty Action Group regional network

Volunteer and advocate for children in your local area by joining a regional network . Regional networks are made up of a diverse range of volunteers with a passion for ensuring all children have the opportunity to flourish. Local groups may hold awareness-raising events, support national initiatives and undertake local fundraising activities.  Find contact details of your local network on the Our People page. 

Make a submission to Parliament

Make a written submission to Parliament about a bill or other item before a select committee relating to child poverty. You may have a solution to a problem, or want to explain how an issue affects you or those around you. See the Government guide to making submissions and see what issues are open for submission.  

Email your local MP and/or Ministers

Introduce yourself to your local MP and/or government ministers. Tell them you want urgent action to ensure families have the incomes they need as well as equitable access to adequate housing, healthcare and education so all children can flourish.  Find the contact details of current Members of Parliament (MPs) and read our key policy asks here.  

Write a letter to the editor

Writing letters to the editor of your local newspaper is an excellent way to help get child poverty issues into the public eye, provide a different viewpoint to one put forward by an author and to put pressure on elected officials to act. 

• Use ‘Letter to the Editor’ as your subject line 
• Include your name, address and phone number 
• Keep it to one or two points and no longer than 150 words 
• If you are responding to an article, respond as soon as possible and include the name of the article, the author and the date of publication  
• Stick to the issues and avoid personal attacks. Speak from personal experience and unite people with a positive and concrete vision (see tips in social media section) 
• If you have any questions, contact us.

Demonstrate positive values on social media

Social media can be a tricky space to navigate. Focus on amplifying values-based messages and speak from personal experience. 

Take care of yourself by changing the privacy settings on your social media accounts. If commenting feels overwhelming, react with ‘love’ and ‘likes’ to others’ positive comments. 

We recommend taking a listening-centred approach and using values-based messaging.  

1. Speak from personal perspectives and experiences 

   • “Most of us who have not experienced poverty find it hard to imagine the daily struggle of those who do. But when I think about...” 
   • “Coming from…I never realised that…” 
   • “(X) made me change my mind/has led me to believe that…” 
   • “I definitely feel the temptation to write this all off/simplify this so it’s easy to judge/ignore/get defensive…but it feels important that…”

    

2. **Unite people with a positive and concrete vision **

• Reference the values that cast a vision for a better future. Draw on values such as compassion, care, love, equality, diversity, creativity and respect.  
• “I am so proud of the people in our communities fighting for kindness/justice/fairness…” 
• “It is by pulling together we will ensure all children can flourish. The people in our neighbourhoods, our parents and grandparents, our workmates need us to be helpful and compassionate, so we all have the opportunity to thrive.” 
• “Like me, I know many people in New Zealand believe in compassion and justice...” 
• Describe what a truly fair and flourishing Aotearoa looks like and give examples e.g. “I want to see all kids leading happy, flourishing childhoods. That means we need to make sure parents have enough money to give their kids nutritious food, a warm, dry home and the chance to reach their full potential.”

3. Rather than respond or react to comments that are negative and derisive, focus on starting your own thread using the tips above.

• Science shows that myth busting solidifies the incorrect message in people’s mind. Focus on replacing the incorrect narrative with a vision of how things could be. 

• Communications agency The Workshop has complied a great set of evidence-based resources that provide practical advice on how to shift the narrative around poverty in New Zealand.

Volunteer

Child Poverty Action Group is powered by passionate, skilled volunteers. To find out how more visit our volunteer page. 

Donate

We rely on the generosity of caring New Zealanders to undertake our research and advocacy work. If you would like to support us, please visit our donation page. 

Fundraise

If you would like to undertake a fundraising activity for us. Please visit our fundraising page.  

Leave a gift in your will

Gifts left in wills are an important source of income to ensure our research and advocacy can continue. Any amount, large or small, will help. We are always grateful for what you can give. 

If you would like more information, please email admin@cpag.org.nz or contact your solicitor or legal advisor. Our legal name is Child Poverty Action Group Inc and our Charities Commission Registration Number is CC25387. 

Here is an example of wording for leaving a bequest to CPAG: 

"I give and bequeath the sum of $_____________ (or) __________ % of my estate, (or) residue of my estate, (or) property or assets as follows __________________________________________________________________